I'm a big fan of the Redington Classic Trout rod, and the Winston Passport - both of which are right around $100 and a pleasure to cast. They're not going to hit the far bank, but I find them quite fun to fish and I've landed any number of rainbows on each of them (in a 5 weight). Can't be beat at that price.
Also. here's a pike I caught last week. First pike on the fly for me. Fooled him with a huge bunker pattern on my Echo 7#.

I liked him a lot. I went with Ryan from Cross Current Guide Service. I would have preferred to go with Joe, but Ryan was excellent. Really knew the water and gave me a lot of good pointers on casting a nymphing rig. My only gripe was that part of the lunch was pasta salad - and I HATE pasta salad.
(Joe was booked - his client that day was the fishing manager from Orvis in Yonkers. That's as good an endorsement as I can ask for.) ...

Just one - put in at Hale's Eddy and floated down past the junction near Hancock. I had a few on the line in the West Branch proper, but they shook me. One looked like a monster, but as they say: nothing grows faster than a fish from when it bites until it gets away.

I thought I would show you. The French front and finished seams throughout: all difficult work and beautifully done. I'm surprised they don't get more love on this forum.
Reverse side of a VBC flannel
3 over 2 button, patch pockets.
Holland & Sherry Peacock Gun Club Check
3 over 2 button, patch pockets.
Russ and Anthony are both lovely guys, and they are competitively priced. Thumbs up.

Me too.Any salt water anglers out there? I most fish for stripers in Massachusetts/New York, but headed to Miami to look for redfish, barracuda or (hope, hope), permit. I got a Redington Vapen 10 wt for Christmas that will be perfect for the flats.